Can a Trailer Hitch for a 2013 Audi Q5 be Removed and Reinstalled More than Once

Question:

I dont need a hitch very often, perhaps once every other year. Is it possible, or reasonable, to remove the hitch and only mount it when needed?

asked by: Larkin L

Expert Reply:

Trailer hitches are meant to be a more permanent installation. While you can remove hitch # 75940 and reinstall it at a later date you would have to replace the mounting hardware every time because it is meant to only be torqued down once. Replacement hardware can be obtained by using # RHK and entering the hitch number and manufacturer on the RHK page.

Having the hitch there all the time certainly will not cause you any problems on your 2013 Audi Q5 but if you want something less visible I recommend # 75940. With it installed only the receiver will be visible.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for trailer wiring I recommend the ZCI harness # 119250KIT. With this harness you will not need to splice into the vehicle wiring. The connectors clamp around the tail light wires to sense the current passing through them.